Assistive technologies in the Gulf States: analysis and challenges

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/0208-600X.92.07

Keywords:

disability in Islam, assistive technologies, sign avatars, disability in Gulf States, Arabic language in assistive technologies

Abstract

This article examines the role of assistive technologies in the Gulf countries, considering their impact on the lives of people with disabilities. The perception of disability is inextricably linked to the cultural and religious context, which in turn affects the efficacy of assistive tools. In Muslim societies, the responsibility for people with disabilities is primarily borne by the family, which frequently results in their marginalisation. This article demonstrates how contemporary technologies can facilitate the emancipation of people with disabilities, particularly in the context of constraints associated with social and religious norms. The studyʼs methodology is based on case studies that illustrate the implementation of assistive technologies tailored to local requirements and cultural contexts in Gulf countries. The objective is to illustrate the particular characteristics of the region and the difficulties encountered when implementing assistive technologies in Arab communities in the Gulf, as well as their potential to enhance the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. The necessity of adapting assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities to specific linguistic and cultural contexts is becoming increasingly apparent in the present era. The functionality of assistive technologies and their use by people with disabilities are contingent upon two factors: the functionality of the technology itself and its adaptation to the cultural context in which it is to function. This issue is particularly salient in the case of technologies that deal with language processing. The Arabic language is structurally distinct from the dominant languages in assistive technologies, necessitating the development of technologies that address communication barriers in Arab society.

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Published

2025-03-31

How to Cite

Stojkow, M. (2025). Assistive technologies in the Gulf States: analysis and challenges. Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Sociologica, (92), 117–132. https://doi.org/10.18778/0208-600X.92.07